San Marzano Tomato Sauce

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San Marzano tomato sauce is a rich, vibrant, and herbaceous Italian red sauce made with fresh ingredients. Each bite is full of rustic flavor that’s guaranteed to please a crowd!

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple & flavorful: You won’t believe how much flavor can be packed into a recipe with so few ingredients! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make.
• Versatile: There are so many different ways to use tomato sauce — no leftovers will go to waste.
• Diet-friendly: San Marzano tomato sauce is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option to make when there are different dietary needs in the family.

If you enjoy San Marzano tomato sauce, you should definitely check out our vegan Alfredo sauce, vegan tzatziki, butternut squash pasta sauce, and vegan ranch dressing.

🍅 What is San Marzano tomato sauce?

San Marzano tomato sauce is an Italian pasta sauce made specifically from San Marzano tomatoes. What sets this recipe apart from a typical tomato sauce is the rich, full-bodied complexity of this particular varietal compared to others (like Roma tomatoes).

Since the recipe contains minimal ingredients, it’s important to opt for the best quality produce, olive oil, and herbs for the absolute best results!

🤔 What’s so special about San Marzano tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are long, thin plum tomatoes that first originated in Naples, Italy. Much like Tequila or Champagne, they must be grown in a specific region of Italy to earn the D.O.P. seal (Denominazione di Origine Protetta).

Their rich, sweet, and low acidic flavor is what truly sets these tomatoes apart from the rest. This is thanks to the volcanic soil they’re grown in, which provides a mineral-rich environment for them to flourish.

Don’t just take our word for it either! San Marzano tomatoes are widely viewed as the best varietal for sauces (pizza or pasta), especially since they create a less watery, slightly thicker consistency.

👌 How to choose the perfect tomatoes

Before you go purchasing any old can that’s labeled “San Marzano tomatoes,” there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure you buy the right ones.

• D.O.P. seal: Check the can for the seal of approval. If it doesn’t have one, the tomatoes are not genuine San Marzano.
• Whole tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are only sold peeled and whole or halved. You will never find them pureed, diced, or chopped.

🌱 Is tomato sauce vegan?

It is a typical practice to simmer Italian-style pasta sauce with rinds of parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can try adding nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a similar umami element.

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Olive oil: Ensure you have good quality extra-virgin olive oil. You can use avocado oil, but the rich flavor of olive oil pairs with this San Marzano sauce perfectly.
• Onion & garlic: Onion and garlic provide aromatic, hearty, and savory notes that balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Opt for white or yellow onion, and make sure to use fresh garlic over powdered.
• San Marzano tomatoes: Cans of San Marzano tomatoes are typically found in the pasta section at most large grocery stores. If you can’t find them there, check your local Mediterranean market. If you still can’t any, use canned Roma tomatoes with extra tomato paste.
• Tomato paste: Look for tomato paste in a tube made with 100% Italian tomatoes. Some options include Mutti, Cento, or De Rica. You can use regular tomato paste, herbed, or even sun-dried tomato paste for a more vibrant tasting sauce.
• Fresh herbs: We love fresh basil and oregano, but you can add different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or marjoram. If you don’t have fresh herbs, decrease the measurement of dried herbs by about a third.
• Salt & pepper: Season the sauce with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low, then add in the diced onions and sauté them until translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the garlic

Once the onions are translucent, it’s time to throw in some minced garlic! Cook it with the onions for a few more minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the tomatoes

Add the San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Simmer the sauce

Turn the heat down to low, then simmer the tomato sauce for about 45-60 minutes, stirring frequently. The tomatoes will break down as they cook.

Step 5: Season the sauce

Mix in fresh herbs at the end of simmering the sauce, and taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it immediately while warm and fresh. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this San Marzano tomato sauce recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🍝 How to use San Marzano sauce

The flavor of this San Marzano sauce elevates so many Italian-inspired dishes. Try pairing it with recipes like these:

• Espagueti rojo: Swap out a spicy chipotle sauce for this vibrant tomato-based sauce to serve with al dente spaghetti.
• Air fryer pizza rolls: Instead of store-bought tomato sauce, use a homemade version to stuff the rolls with.
• Lentil bolognese: Add lentils to this sauce to create a heartier, protein-packed version.
• Vegan garlic bread: Nothing goes better with pasta and tomato sauce.
• Vegan parmesan: Don’t forget to garnish your pasta with a generous pinch of cashew cheese!
• Vegan pizza dough: Add it to your dough and build a plant-based pizza!

🌡️ Storage & reheating

If you have leftover San Marzano tomato sauce, follow these storage tips to keep it fresh:

• Fridge: Let the tomato sauce cool completely before transferring it to airtight glass containers or jars. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Again, make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing and leave a little room for expansion.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw the sauce overnight in your fridge. Otherwise, reheat San Marzano sauce in a pot over low-medium, stirring frequently until it’s warmed through.

♻️ Variations

• Dried herbs: Although fresh herbs are the preferred choice, sometimes they’re not available. For every tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about a teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Other tomatoes: If you can’t find San Marzano tomatoes, try canned Roma, Datterino, Di Manduria, or Pomodoro (yes, pomodoro also means tomato in Italian).
• Spicy: While not an authentic version, feel free to add red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Smooth: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor to achieve your preferred texture.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Use quality ingredients: For the best taste, make sure you’re using certified San Marzano tomatoes and fresh herbs.
• Don’t rush: In reality, the longer you cook the sauce the better the flavors will be. Don’t cook it for any less than 45 minutes unless you have to.
• Cover your sauce: Avoid red splatters all over your kitchen by covering the sauce while it simmers away.
• Add herbs at the end: Fresh herbs provide the most intense aroma and taste when they are added at the end of cooking. If you are using dried herbs, they can be added in earlier.

💬 FAQ

🍴 More sauce recipes

If you enjoyed making this San Marzano tomato sauce, be sure to check out some more tomato-based recipes like these:

• Salsa ranchera: Made from roasted tomatoes, serrano chiles, onions, and garlic.
• Salsa roja: A classic Mexican table salsa featuring Roma tomatoes.
• Salsa fresca: Fresh pico de gallo made from chiles, tomatoes, and onions with a squeeze of lime.
• Adobo sauce: An all-purpose marinade made from dried chiles, spices, tomatoes, and vinegar.
• Vegan pesto: Creamy pesto made with vegan parmesan and cashews instead of pinenuts.